Good Day, Sunshine

It was a beautiful week in San Francisco.  The time of year that all residents, who have lived here for more than a minute, look forward to - "Indian Summer".  The timing was perfect for my next photo collaboration with Michael - a "Sunny Morning Breakfast in Bed" story.


My bedroom faces South East so we had beautiful light for most of the day.   The dappled light coming through the enormous avocado tree in the backyard was particularly special.  

Although I had been planning for weeks for this shoot, I did a few things last minute.  One was making a headboard out of a tin ceiling tile I bought for five dollars at a side walk sale months ago.  Also, I spent a couple of days sewing... somewhat self taught (with a few pointers and explanations on the workings of a sewing machine from my friend, Chantelle).  I went for it and made pillows.  I was now more inspired for this bedroom scene.

I did keep most of my personal items in the shot only making changes for continuity.  I was excited to see how the dresser would turn out since it's something I look at everyday.  I think I may take for granted the color combinations of my collection of glass compotes and dishes... never really considering that they create their own little story by holding all of my "stuff".

We did switch things up a bit by spontaneously deciding to do a "straight on" of the bedside table and added the pillow shot.  But just like the first shoot we did together, we worked smoothly and methodically, still managing to capture our still life's and we are both happy with the results.

This is a long over due posting but as life dictates our events we finally got on it!

Welcome to my room.

Thanks again to Michael for his beautiful work.

A special mention for the rug at the bedside from my friend Christophers' store Nomad Rugs.

exposing my linens

In my house we use cloth napkins and dish towels more than paper towels.   Although, fabric napkins and towels do need to be washed and that takes water, using linens is very "green".  I figure that I am recycling by using fabric napkins. Plus, in a household you can re-use the same napkin for a couple of days so there is less waste.


I have a small collection of linens and have been slowly collecting new pieces.  I especially like old table cloths and napkins.  I have some that belonged to my mother and then others that I have found at flea markets,vintage home and thrift stores.


Compared to what you can buy new today the old styles seem to be more unique and so happy and inviting.  I love to throw one on the kitchen table and then a whole new mood is created.  Even though older table cloths usually have stains on them, that I can't seem to get out, I don't love them any less. Those stains have a story of a previous time.


My friend Thomas and I did a little photo shoot in my backyard a couple of weeks ago.  Here are some of my vintage table cloths in action!

Thanks to Thomas for bearing with me and my weedy backyard!

Inspiration II

I have three pending photo shoots with three different friends. Flattered as I am that these gentlemen want to work with me... I started to feel a little pressure because I am the one responsible to come up with the ideas! The best way to work through this is to look around.  SEE.  I also, have been scouring magazines.


The bedroom with Michael is already planned.  I just need to pull the bedding together and decide how I want to prop.  I rotated my bedroom 90 degrees so that my bed could be next to the window to create some atmosphere.  The best angle seems to have Michael crammed into my closet.


Here is some bed inspiration for this shoot >

Idea number two came about when I recently tried shooting some vintage table cloths for my blog but the photos didn't turn out.  A few days later, another photo friend, Thomas, contacted me about doing a test shoot... so we will be shooting vintage linens in my back yard.


Some ideas for linens >

Lastly, my friend Jonathan wants to get back to shooting and asked if I had any ideas for us to do a test shoot.  This was when I started to worry...  am I always going to have ideas? 


A few weeks ago I had bought the July issues of Elle Decor UK, Vogue Living and Living Etc.  While perusing I got the third idea.  I called Jonathan to see what he thought.  We are going to do a color story.  It turns out that it will be more involved than I originally thought but I think that it will be cool.  Elle Decor UK does these spreads about a color... which was indigo in this issue.  I have picked a color and now I have to pull all the props and ideas together.  The focus will be on soft goods, of course.


Inspiring color story >

Now, when I am going to do all of this?  Very soon! 


The first two shoots should only take a day each.  The third will probably be spread out over time.  I am excited to see the results.  All of which will be shown here.